E.ON offers free insulation and cash to needy households

'Big Six' energy giant E.ON has pledged to give free home insulation and cash to up to 700,000 deprived homes.

The move, announced today (January 9), is open to anyone receiving Child Tax Credit on an income of less than £16,190 or claiming Pension Credit.

E.ON is offering the free cavity wall and standard loft insulation, as well as a cheque for £100, whether the people are E.ON customers or not - meaning an estimated 700,000 homes could benefit, according to the company.

An average home can save about £390 a year on energy bills by insulating with cavity wall and loft insulation.

But research, carried out for E.ON by OnePoll, by polling 2,000 people in August last year, also found more than half (57%) had 'no idea' about possible savings.

E.ON's spokesman, Nigel Dewbery, said: "We're committed to helping the UK get energy fit, and this new offer allows us to reach some of the most vulnerable people in society with the three-fold benefit of free insulation, lower energy bills, plus a cheque for £100 to offer help in paying energy bills."